You must have seen many pages on social media where the local culture of rural areas of Punjab is posted in the form of beautiful pictures and videos. One of the first youths to popularize this trend is Hasan Talal Towana.
Fields, canals, rivers, animals, birds, farmers and silent scenes of rural Punjab immersed in the evening color tell many stories in Hasan Tawana’s photography. Immerse yourself in the scene while looking at the picture of the past that is very close to your heart. Keep looking at Hasan’s pictures on Facebook or Instagram for a while, and suddenly your heart will want to leave everything behind and return to the world we left behind in the name of ‘progress’.
Hasan Tawana provides a window through which we can peer into the past, explore our childhood, and relive the world of the past.
Hasan Tawana received great acclaim not only in Pakistan but also abroad (Hassan Tawana).
Hasan Tuana belongs to village 58 North in Sargodha. Didn’t get formal training in photography, just became a fan of passion. Today, he has become so expert in his art that he teaches the nuances of photography to students in various universities and conducts workshops.
Speaking to Independent Urdu, Hasan Tawana told about his trip that ‘from childhood he came to see farmers, how they work in difficult conditions, he wanted to show their lives and hard work to the world.’
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
Do you click along the way or do you regularly plan and go to the same place over and over again? In response to this question, he said that ‘maybe sometimes I am so lucky that I went to a place for the first time and immediately took a picture. Never felt nervous.’
Hasan Tawana was well received not only in Pakistan but also abroad. Many embassies have organized exhibitions of his photographs. He also decorated the PIA calendar with his pictures.
Hassan did not capture the disappearing scenes, but recreated the activities that have become part of the past and then preserved them with the eye of the camera (Hassan Tawana).
On the love received from Punjab across the border, Hasan Talal Towana says, ‘When I started, the biggest response came from the Sikh community of Indian Punjab, the cricketers, singers, sectors and other people from there got a lot of love. gave Maybe I’m more popular there than here. Most people start crying.’
His fans range from the common man to Indian celebrities like Sonam Bajwa and Shikhar Dhawan.
How to make pocket money with photography?
People buy prints of my photos, put them up in hotels, most of the buyers are Pakistanis living abroad. I recreate and show them what they saw in their childhood.’
He further says that ‘Life is changing very quickly, many things have disappeared before our eyes, I want to preserve them. The implements that have been part of our farmers’ lives for the last hundred years, to suddenly throw them away now that a new machine has arrived, hurts an artist. I want to preserve from the camera’s eye all the scenes that are in danger of being erased.’
Hasan not only captured the disappearing scenes but also recreated the activities that have become part of the past and then preserved them with the eye of the camera. For example, children flying kites from trees, or depictions of children engaged in various traditional sports.
Hasan Tawana’s photography universe is vast, emotional and full of quality. Visiting their wall is like having a therapy session, a relaxation that never comes back.
#Photographer #capturing #scenes #Punjabs #rural #culture
**Interview with Hasan Talal Towana: Capturing the Essence of Rural Punjab**
**Editor**: Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Hasan Talal Towana, a renowned photographer whose work beautifully encapsulates the rural culture of Punjab. Hasan, thank you for joining us!
**Hasan Towana**: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share my journey.
**Editor**: Your photography has garnered significant attention both in Pakistan and internationally. What inspired you to focus on the rural landscapes and the lives of farmers in Punjab?
**Hasan Towana**: Growing up in village 58 North in Sargodha, I always observed the resilience and dedication of farmers. From a young age, I was moved by their hard work in difficult conditions. I wanted to document their lives and show the world the beauty and challenges they face every day.
**Editor**: You’ve mentioned that you weren’t formally trained in photography. How did you develop your skills?
**Hasan Towana**: It started as a passion project. I immersed myself in the art and gradually honed my technique. Over time, I became confident enough to teach photography at various universities and conduct workshops, where I share what I’ve learned with aspiring photographers.
**Editor**: Your images are described as a window to the past, evoking nostalgia. Can you share what kind of response you receive from viewers, especially from those who might have left those rural settings?
**Hasan Towana**: The response has been overwhelming and deeply emotional. Many people tell me how my photographs remind them of their childhood and the simplicity of life in rural Punjab. Interestingly, I received a very warm response from the Sikh community across the border in India. They resonate strongly with the themes in my work, often expressing their emotions when they see their culture reflected.
**Editor**: In your process, do you plan your shoots in advance, or do you prefer a spontaneous approach?
**Hasan Towana**: It’s a mix of both. Sometimes I discover a location for the first time and immediately know it will be a great shot. Other times, I plan carefully to capture specific moments. I find beauty in the unexpected; it keeps the process exciting.
**Editor**: Your works have also been showcased in exhibitions organized by embassies and featured in notable publications like the PIA calendar. What do these achievements mean to you?
**Hasan Towana**: These recognitions validate my efforts and passion for this work. They also help in bringing rural Punjab’s story to a wider audience, which has always been my goal. Each exhibition feels like a celebration of my community and its rich culture.
**Editor**: As someone deeply connected to the landscapes and stories of Punjab, what message do you wish to convey through your photography?
**Hasan Towana**: My hope is to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of our rural heritage and the stories that come from it. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of these experiences. I want my photos to remind people of their roots and the values of perseverance and hard work that define our culture.
**Editor**: Thank you, Hasan. Your passion for your craft and dedication to your community is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing more of your work!
**Hasan Towana**: Thank you so much! I’m excited to continue sharing the stories of Punjab with everyone.
